Texas Rent Assistance – State and Local Assistance Programs

Texas rent assistance programs, helps many low-income Texans, get into new housing, and prevent evictions. It can be frustrating when you work, yet still struggle with rent and mortgage payments. Rent assistance programs, provide the support needed to bring added security to residents every year.

Millions of Americans work 40 or more hours a week and still have to get help from the government, and other organizations. Sadly, this is the new normal, for far too many people. There are state and local programs and charities, that specialized in providing financial help to low-income, elderly and the disabled.

If you live in Texas and are facing eviction, try not to panic. There are many places that offer Texans help with rent. We will provide you with a list of state, local and government organization and charities, that will pay your past due rent or mortgage.

Getting Rent Assistance in Texas

If you are facing eviction, there are programs that will help you pay past due rent. You can get a voucher from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to help pay your rent and security deposit when renting a new dwelling. 1-(800) 525-0657

Project Access (Voucher) Program– This program offers money for rent, for those who qualify financially. They do not give clients cash, but the voucher is used to give directly to the landlord or owner of the dwelling. Vouchers can not be exchanged or used for any other purpose.

Section 811 – The Section 811 program helps the disabled who live independently in subsidized communities with assistance services. Section 811 provides rental payments to disadvantaged individuals of the Target population.

Target Population includes:

People with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Youth with disabilities who lives in foster care.

Those with disabilities who wish to transition from and institution to independent living.

Those with severe mental illness receiving services, but experiencing obstacles because of housing instability.

Section 8 – The Statewide Housing Assistance Payments Program (Section 8) gives rental subsidy vouchers to families earning less than 50 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, they also provide assistance to the elderly and disabled with affordable housing.

Texas Rent Assistance and Security Deposits

Renting an apartment can be expensive depending on where you live. Most properties charge one or more months rent, processing charges, and deposits. Now understandable, these fees protect the rental property in the case of damages or the renter skips of the apartment. When you are low-income these fees can really add up and are sometimes a hindrance to getting an apartment.

The Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program helps low-income residents with security and utility deposits; and pays rent for up to two years, while until the person becomes self-sufficient. Must meet program income requirements.

Emergency TANF Assistance

One-Time TANF

One-Time TANF, is offered to families once a year.

If you are a family with children age 18 and younger

You are unemployed with not resources

You are in danger of losing your home of medical emergency

This help is available, for families with children age 18 and younger if you qualify financially and have an eviction notice, utilities are about to be or are turned off, or you are a victim of a disaster such as a flood or fire. You do not have to be on welfare rolls to get assistance. This program provides money for:

Charities & Religious Organizations

Charities, such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or the Red Cross may be able to provide emergency help paying rent and utilities. These Texas rent assistance agencies are funded by individual donations, federal programs. These agencies not only help pay rent, utilities, clothing, food, medical assistance, job training, and more.

Each charity’s yearly funding is limited, and must be extended to as many as possible. Texas rent assistance programs operate on a first come, first serve basis. You may also not receive the entire amount you need from one organization. For example, if you are facing eviction and need $2,500 to keep you home or apartment, you may receive only $300 from one agency. and have to go to others to get the full amount.

This can be time-consuming and frustrating, but being mentally prepared for the process helps. In the end, you will not have to experience eviction. All charities will have a list of other locations where you can go for rent and other needs.

It can be frustrating and embarrassing, but keep in mind you need a place to live. This is a temporary situation and things will get better. You may also get help with a list of food banks and church pantries, that can also provide you with groceries.